Looking for a charming Southern town filled with historic downtown streets, cozy cafés, and outdoor adventures? Head to Opelika! Neighboring Auburn, Opelika offers a blend of small-town charm, thriving arts and dining scenes, and easy access to parks and golf courses. Whether you're into boutique shopping, craft beer tasting, or relaxing hikes, Opelika delivers a welcoming and relaxed Alabama experience.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Opelika is from March through May and September through November. These seasons offer mild, comfortable weather perfect for downtown strolls, outdoor festivals, and exploring nearby parks and gardens. Summer is warmer but lively with events and concerts.

How to Get There

  • If you are traveling by car: Opelika is conveniently located off I-85, about 1.5 hours southeast of Birmingham and 1.5 hours southwest of Atlanta.
  • By Air: The nearest major airport is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), about 90 minutes away. Auburn University Regional Airport also serves private flights nearby.
  • By Train: Amtrak's Crescent Line runs through nearby Tuskegee and Montgomery; a car rental is recommended for direct access to Opelika.

Where to Stay

  • Hotel at Auburn University – Stylish hotel near both Opelika and Auburn with Southern hospitality, a great restaurant, and live music nights.
  • SpringVilla B&B – Historic bed-and-breakfast offering a peaceful retreat just outside downtown, perfect for a romantic weekend.
  • La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Opelika Auburn – Modern hotel with comfortable rooms, free breakfast, and easy access to I-85 and Tiger Town shopping center.

Best Things to Do

The Salem-Shotwell Covered Bridge

Admire this restored bridge and enjoy a quick stop full of local charm.

The Salem-Shotwell Covered Bridge

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  • What is the Salem-Shotwell Covered Bridge?
  • What is the history of the bridge?
    • The original bridge was constructed in 1900 by Otto Puls in a town lattice truss construction style and stood at its original Wacoochee Creek location for over a century before being destroyed by a fallen tree in 2005.
  • When and where was the bridge reconstructed?
    • In 2007, it was reconstructed and relocated to its current location and is now maintained by the City of Opelika in conjunction with the Opelika Kiwanis Club.
  • Is the bridge historically recognized?
    • In 1977, the bridge was listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage.
  • Is the bridge rumored to be haunted?
    • It is popularly said to be haunted by the ghosts of children killed in an automobile accident during its time standing over Wacoochee Creek.
  • Where is the Salem-Shotwell Covered Bridge located?

The Museum of East Alabama

Explore local history and see unusual artifacts on an easy educational trip.

The Museum of East Alabama

© The Museum of East Alabama

  • What is the Museum of East Alabama?
    • The Museum of East Alabama is located within Opelika’s historic district and showcases more than 5,000 significant artifacts related to the civic, economic, and cultural history of Lee County and its surrounding regions.
  • Who founded the museum and when?
    • The museum was established by Eleanor and John T. Harris in 1989 and welcomes over 2,000 annual visitors today.
  • What are the museum’s permanent exhibits?
    • Permanent exhibits showcase donated artifacts within six collections focused on:
      • Home life
      • Work life
      • Leisure activities
      • Peoples
      • Transportation
      • Military life
    • These exhibits have a particular focus on the area’s 19th and 20th-century history.
  • What are some significant artifacts on display?
    • Significant artifacts include NASA memorabilia donated by area resident and astronaut Jim Voss.
  • Where is the Museum of East Alabama located?

Red Clay Brewing Company

Sip craft beer and savor a relaxed weekend vibe with friends or couples.

Red Clay Brewing Company

© Red Clay Brewing Company

  • What is Red Clay Brewing Company?
    • Red Clay Brewing Company was founded by Alabama natives John Corbin, Kerry McGinnis, and Stephen Harle and takes its name from the rich natural red clay deposits found within the Opelika region.
  • How are the brewery’s beers named?
    • All of the brewery’s beers are named for references to the area’s culture and tradition, including indigenous terms related to the local Muskogee tribe and folklore references.
  • What are some of the year-round beers available?
    • Year-round brews include:
      • Big Swamp Oatmeal Stout
      • Hop Jubilee IPA
      • Half Time Hefeweizen
      • Hay Shed Saison
      • Southern Bumpkin Sweet Potato Brown Ale
  • Does the brewery serve food?
    • Hand-made pizza is served at the brewery’s taproom, which is open Tuesdays through Saturdays.
  • What is the spicy pizza challenge?
    • The taproom offers a spicy pizza challenge that dares diners to eat the spiciest concoction the brewery’s kitchen can create in exchange for a free meal and pint.
  • Where is Red Clay Brewing Company located?

If you are traveling with kids:

CyberZone

Play arcade games and enjoy exciting laser tag fun with kids or family.

CyberZone

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  • What is CyberZone?
    • CyberZone is Opelika’s premiere family entertainment center, showcasing Lee County’s most challenging and entertaining laser tag course.
  • How does laser tag work at CyberZone?
    • Laser tag participants may walk in for game play or reserve the 36-vest course area for small groups and organizations, including overnight lock-in play.
  • What other amusements are available?
    • In addition to the laser tag course, CyberZone offers:
      • Atomic RUSH, a multi-player LED-panel game
      • A large arcade featuring more than 65 video and redemption games
      • Retro arcade games showcased in the Replay Zone
  • Does CyberZone offer food and refreshments?
    • Pizzas and snacks are served at its Replay Cafe.
  • Can CyberZone be booked for private events?
    • The entire facility may be booked for private special events, including school groups, birthday parties, and corporate team-building activities.
  • Where is CyberZone located?
    • Address: CyberZone, 107 North 9th Street, Opelika, AL 36801, Phone: 334-737-5000

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

Grand National Golf Course

Tee off on scenic fairways and enjoy a relaxing retirement day or weekend.

Grand National Golf Course

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  • What is Grand National Golf Course?
    • Grand National Golf Course was constructed on 600 acres surrounding Lake Saugahatchee, with 32 of its holes located directly along the lake’s shorelines.
  • Who designed Grand National Golf Course?
    • Its site was chosen by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., who proclaimed the region the greatest site for the creation of a golf course that he had ever seen.
  • How highly is Grand National Golf Course ranked?
    • Today, the complex’s three courses have all been ranked among the top 10 value courses in America by Golf Digest.
  • What courses are available at Grand National?
    • The complex features three courses:
      • The scenic Lake Course
      • The par-14 Links Course
      • The lakefront Short Course
  • What major events are hosted at Grand National?
    • The complex is the host of the PGA Tour’s annual Barbasol Championship.
  • What other amenities are available?
    • Grand National is also home to the National Village golfing community and the Marriott Grand National Hotel.
  • Where is Grand National Golf Course located?

John Emerald Distilling Company

Tour this craft distillery and taste small-batch spirits on a fun, affordable trip.

John Emerald Distilling Company

© John Emerald Distilling Company

  • What is John Emerald Distilling Company?
  • Where is the tasting room located, and when is it open?
    • The company operates a downtown Railroad Avenue tasting room that is open to the public Wednesdays through Saturdays.
  • Are tours available?
    • Tours are offered on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and are available with advance registration online.
  • What types of liquors does the distillery produce?
    • The small-batch distillery crafts a variety of unique liquors, including:
      • Hugh Wesley’s Gin, made with Alabama juniper berries
      • John’s Alabama Single Malt, the first whiskey legally produced in the state in a century
  • Does the distillery host public events?
    • Yes, public special events are held at the tasting room periodically, including:
      • Book signings
      • Grilling competitions
      • Community cookouts
  • Where is John Emerald Distilling Company located?

Angel's Antiques and Flea Mall

Hunt for vintage finds and explore rows of unusual stuff in one spot.

Angel's Antiques and Flea Mall

© Angel's Antiques and Flea Mall

  • What is Angel's Antiques and Flea Mall?
    • Angel's Antiques and Flea Mall is a large antique and flea market in Opelika, opened in 2002 by husband and wife team Bill and Connie Brewer and Bill’s father, Leo.
  • What makes Angel's Antiques unique?
    • The family are former flea market vendors themselves and strive to provide all vendors with a positive, trustworthy work environment to set the mall apart from other competing flea malls.
  • Where is Angel's Antiques located?
    • The mall is housed within a former Wal-Mart building in Opelika and is named after the couple’s daughter.
  • How has Angel's Antiques been recognized?
    • It has been named as one of the top three antique malls in the American South by Lucky magazine.
  • How many vendors are in the mall?
    • The flea mall houses more than 450 vendors within its 68,000-square-foot facility, including antique vendors and a wide variety of sale goods.
  • Where is Angel's Antiques and Flea Mall located?

Cafe 123

Savor upscale Southern dishes and enjoy a romantic dinner in a stylish setting.

Cafe 123

© Cafe 123

  • What is Cafe 123?
    • Cafe 123 is a restaurant housed within downtown Opelika’s restored former Haynie’s Drugstore building, serving a full menu of French-influenced Southern cuisine Tuesday through Saturday evenings.
  • Who is the executive chef at Cafe 123?
    • The restaurant’s menu is carefully curated by executive chef Eron Bass.
  • What is special about the menu?
    • The menu features hand-cut meats and locally-sourced ingredients, with all dishes prepared to order.
  • What are some signature dishes?
    • Dinner appetizers and entrées highlight fresh seafood and Southern comfort food with unique twists, such as:
      • Pork confit gritcakes
      • Barbecue bourbon salmon
      • Brown sugar-rubbed ribeye
  • Does Cafe 123 offer brunch?
    • Yes, a full Sunday brunch menu is available.
  • What beverages are available?
    • The restaurant offers an extensive wine and cocktail list.
  • Do I need a reservation?
    • Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant’s limited hours.
  • Where is Cafe 123 located?
    • Address: 123 S 8th St, Opelika, AL 36801, Phone: 334-737-0069

Mrs. Story's Dairy Bar

Taste old-fashioned milkshakes and enjoy a cheap, family-friendly summer treat.

Mrs. Story's Dairy Bar

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  • What is Mrs. Story's Dairy Bar?
    • Mrs. Story's Dairy Bar is an Opelika institution, originally opened by Annie and Dan Story more than 60 years ago as a branch of the Dari Delite franchise.
  • When did Mrs. Story's Dairy Bar become independent?
    • In 1962, the restaurant was rebranded as an independent storefront, and though it has received minor updates throughout the years, it mostly retains its classic facade and menu.
  • Who runs the restaurant today?
    • Today, it is run by third-generation family members.
  • What type of food does Mrs. Story's Dairy Bar serve?
    • The menu is simple, featuring classic American fare, including:
      • Foot-long chili dogs
      • Hand-spun milkshakes
  • What makes the chili dogs special?
    • The chili dogs use the family’s secret recipe, which has stood the test of time and is only shared with a few select family members.
  • Where is Mrs. Story's Dairy Bar located?

Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:

  • Explore Historic Downtown Opelika – Stroll through quaint streets filled with boutique shops, art galleries, antique stores, and cozy cafés.
  • Walk or bike the Opelika Sportsplex Trails – Enjoy well-maintained trails perfect for biking, running, or walking in a scenic setting.

Where to Eat

  • Ma Fia’s Ristorante & Pizzeria – Cozy Italian spot serving homemade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and hearty entrees in the heart of downtown.
  • Zazu Gastropub – Farm-to-table restaurant offering creative Southern-inspired dishes, craft cocktails, and a stylish, relaxed atmosphere.
  • Irish Bred Pub & Restaurant – Casual pub offering great burgers, Guinness on tap, and live music nights on Opelika's historic square.

If you are interested in local events:

  • Opelika Songwriters Festival (May) – A celebration of storytelling and music, featuring intimate performances from nationally recognized songwriters across downtown venues.
  • Christmas in a Railroad Town (December) – Festive holiday event with light displays, visits with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, and downtown shopping specials.
  • On the Tracks Food & Wine Event (Spring/Fall) – Downtown tasting event featuring local restaurants, wineries, breweries, and live entertainment.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30–60 Minutes of Opelika, Alabama:

  • Chewacla State Park (20 min) – Hike to waterfalls, mountain bike, or swim at this scenic state park in nearby Auburn.
  • Auburn University (15 min) – Visit the picturesque campus, explore the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, or catch a Tigers football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
  • Callaway Gardens (1 hour) – Explore beautiful gardens, biking trails, butterfly centers, and lakes in nearby Pine Mountain, Georgia.
  • Lake Martin (45–50 min) – Boating, fishing, and lakeside relaxation at one of Alabama’s largest and most beautiful lakes.
  • Historic Columbus, Georgia (1 hour) – Visit the National Infantry Museum, stroll the RiverWalk, and explore historic downtown Columbus.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • What is the history of Opelika?
    • Opelika was originally settled by European pioneers in the late 1830s, taking its name from the indigenous Muskogee word for “large swamp.”
  • Why does Opelika attract visitors?
    • It attracts many visitors throughout the year due to golf tournaments held at its Grand National Golf Course and its location near the prestigious Auburn University.

Map:


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